I am not usually one to be public about politics, but there has been so much negativity surrounding this election I feel compelled to do more than just vote. This election is hands down one of the biggest elections that our generation has seen and more than ever before, every. vote. matters. And while, I’ll be honest, it pains me to say this, no matter who you are voting for next Tuesday, get yourself to the polls and do it.

If your excuse is that you don’t want to wait in line: many states offer early voting so that you can avoid the lines on election day. If your excuse is that your vote doesn’t matter: there are many more swing states in this election than in years past, so your voice could be the deciding factor. And if your excuse is that you are not happy with any of the candidates: there are House and Senate races going on on the local and state level that are just as important as the race for president. So at the very least, get to the polls next week and vote for a congressperson.

No matter who wins next Tuesday, our country is going to feel like a very different place next Wednesday morning. Personally I hope it feels like a more positive, compassionate, kind and woman-lead country, but that’s just my opinion.